Pragelato Information

Apres-ski

Après-ski in Pragelato is distinctly low-key and the resort will appeal to those looking for laid-back nightlife, rather than those in search of a full-on bar or clubbing scene.

In the village, there are a handful of bar/restaurants, mostly in small family-run hotels. Bazar de la Placette (tel: +39 012 278 423) is popular with mountain sports types, while Borgo Antico (tel: +39 012 278 405) is a local favourite.

In the Club Med resort (www.clubmed.co.uk), most drinks (including cocktails, spirits and wine) are inclusive for guests at the various bars throughout the complex.

Eating out

Dining out options in Pragelato are limited to a handful of restaurants, along with three international-style eateries in the Club Med resort. A must try local speciality served in a number of Pragelato's restaurants is torta 'di carotaroùia (a pie incorporating cabbage, carrots, beets, potatoes, onion and thick cut bacon).

The atmospheric Ristorante Cantina degli Amici (tel: +39 012 278 321; www.ristorantecantinadegliamici.com) has been operating for more than a century and is located in a stone cellar with a vaulted ceiling.

Al Mulino (tel: +39 012 278 002) has a reputation for the best pizza in the resort, although its pasta dishes and anti-pasti are also good. Hostaria 1898 is a small, family-run eatery serving home cooked traditional fare - the venison is especially good.

Of the Club Med offerings, The Taverna serves Alpine favourites, including fondue and raclette, while La Trattoria produces pizza at lunch and more sophisticated regional cuisine in the evenings.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Off the slopes, Pragelato ski resort has a moderate choice of things to do. Options include an ice driving circuit (tel: +39 012 278 922; www.icepragelato.it), snowmobiling excursions, snowshoeing and winter hiking routes. Additionally, the local cinema often shows films in English.

Pragelato has a rich cultural history, which the local population endeavour to keep alive. Although the bulk of the festivities, services and facilities are more accessible in the summer months, there are several small museums (one featuring local traditional mountain costume and the other, if you're feeling particularly crazy, related to sundials) with limited opening hours, but which may be opened on request at the local tourist office.

There's an excellent spa with a heated pool, sauna and Turkish baths In the Club Med village that are available on an all-inclusive basis for those with holiday packages in the resort.

Family fun

Pragelato has mixed appeal for families, depending on where they are staying and the ages and needs of accompanying children.

In the village itself, there are few dedicated child-friendly facilities, but by contrast the Club Med resort complex is designed for families. Babysitting is available, while childcare is grouped into different age bands. The youngest children (aged two to four) are cared for in Petit Club Med; four to 11 year-olds are entertained in Mini Club Med; while Junior Club Med (peak periods only) is suited to teenagers. Each group includes activities and entertainment suitable to the age range, as well as special ski tuition and equipment hire. The care for children aged four and over is generally included in the holiday package.

Retail therapy

There is very limited shopping in Pragelato composed of around half a dozen shops in the main village, including a newsagent and several food stores. The most noteworthy is food shop Albergian (tel: +39 0121 374 503), which was established in 1908 and sells its own popular range of natural preserves. Nearby Sestriere has a greater selection of gift shops and boutiques.

Splashing out

Team Lacroce (tel: +39 0347 651 6020) is one of Italy's original snowmobiling companies and offers hour-long tours from Pragelato between 1200 and 1700 daily. Between January and March, the company allows visitors the chance to drive a snowmobile to a mountain restaurant. These excursions, which are available to adults with driving licences, begin at 1900 and last up to four hours. Over-12s can ride as passengers.

Hotels

There are a number of guest houses and hotels in Pragelato, as well as some apartment and bed and breakfast accommodation. These options are generally in the form of traditional, family-run establishments of varying levels of convenience for the slopes. The Club Med Pragelato Vialattea resort, which has easy access to the slopes, offers accommodation up to a 4-star standard.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap